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Bad Influence : A Grumpy Sunshine Romance
Not yet published
Expected 20 May 26Sharing an apartment with your ex-fiancé’s older brother can’t be a bad decision…right?
Caroline Sinclair is ready to marry the man chosen by her parents. That is up until she walks in on him with another woman. Angry and disappointed that everyone is forcing her to forget what she saw, she makes a drastic decision to leave the West Coast in the middle of the night. Her only option? The New York apartment gifted to her by her ex-fiancé’s grandmother.
What she doesn’t know is that the apartment already has an occupant.
Killian York is living in New York, making a name for himself as a painter and tattoo artist, away from his family’s control. He’s happy with the peaceful and drama-free life he’s made for himself, even if he’s been struggling to create lately. Everything changes however, when he walks into his apartment one night and finds his brother’s fiancée there. His first thought? Kick Caroline out.
Caroline Sinclair is ready to marry the man chosen by her parents. That is up until she walks in on him with another woman. Angry and disappointed that everyone is forcing her to forget what she saw, she makes a drastic decision to leave the West Coast in the middle of the night. Her only option? The New York apartment gifted to her by her ex-fiancé’s grandmother.
What she doesn’t know is that the apartment already has an occupant.
Killian York is living in New York, making a name for himself as a painter and tattoo artist, away from his family’s control. He’s happy with the peaceful and drama-free life he’s made for himself, even if he’s been struggling to create lately. Everything changes however, when he walks into his apartment one night and finds his brother’s fiancée there. His first thought? Kick Caroline out.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 11, 2026
Beautiful beautiful! I love this book so much! It’s forbidden romance with a very filthy mouth + almost morally gray MMC. Our FMC is a sunshine who was controlled by her family but decided to run. She ended up sharing an apartment with our mmc who was her ex fiancé’s brother. I loved that so much.
This was written well with focus on family expectations and how you should chase your own happiness. The pressure on the family was so much, I was stunned genuinely stunned but I got over it.
Thank you to Love PR for this book, one of my favorite ARCs.
This was written well with focus on family expectations and how you should chase your own happiness. The pressure on the family was so much, I was stunned genuinely stunned but I got over it.
Thank you to Love PR for this book, one of my favorite ARCs.
hard-dnf-s
May 17, 2026Thank you to LoveNotes PR for the opportunity to read this as an arc.
DNFing on May 17th, 187 pages in (55%)
Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to love this, I felt like the main characters had no chemistry and that the MMC treated the FMC like a child who didn't know what she wanted.
DNFing on May 17th, 187 pages in (55%)
Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to love this, I felt like the main characters had no chemistry and that the MMC treated the FMC like a child who didn't know what she wanted.
May 12, 2026
ARC COPY REVIEW
My thoughts:
“ I never thought i’d find enjoyment in being arrested for stabbing a man in the ass”
Bad Influence, by Ava Hill would not be the typical book i picked up at the bookstore. I received an ARC for this book after reading the blurb and being hooked! The story filled me with compassion, sass, bravery and confidence for when times get tough, get tougher. The story becomes quite full circle in my opinion, starting with a cheating bastard of a brother to ending up happily in love with another. Learning to stick up for herself and watching Caroline learn and explore her world for herself was something i became quite excited to sit along with for the ride.
The pacing and writing style in this book was pretty nice, though not the most complex or deepest book ive read, sometimes a fluffy little romance that speaks to the soul is all you need, and i think in that category this delivered as that.
“Maybe some things arent meant to be forgotten, maybe theyre meant to be to be relived and reimagined in ways we never thought possible”
I LOVE LOVE LOVE a dual POV romance. It just tickles that part in my brain that needs to know everything all at once. Getting a clear picture from both sides of the story, and reading the characters opionions and thoughts really made me feel more connected and with them. I feel like we need more stories with childhood friends to lovers, yearning and grumpy x sunshine tropes. Now im only just discovering them but i think they might be my new favourite. Just the preface of years of unending tourtous secret moments and undying love flutters my little heart rapidly.
And their cute banter??! Like stop! She became confident, and more herself progressivly though the book. The more time away from the people who caged her in a glass bottle, really let her grow her own wings and learn who she truly was all along.
For someone that is a mood reader and a relativly slow one at that, i read this book in a day. I think that definitely says something.
“He tattooed the date of when he first heard me laugh onto his body”
"Caroline, I've never met someone more beautiful than you. You don't have to believe me if you don't want to. That's not going to change my truth. Whoever made you believe otherwise doesn't know what beauty is."
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Genre: Romance, Second Chance, Childhood Friends to Lovers, Grumpy x Sunshine, Ex’s Older Brother, Found Family ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅
I love romance books, when nothing else is right in the world i know a rance book will always hit. This is the first ARC I’ve received so i was a little wcared, but lets just say miss Ava Hill did not disappoint. We had all the layers of romance, and the big fall out? Barely anything and thats something i really love to see. Personally my book ick is the falling out, when come on, you guys have had enough troubles lets just talk it out. I guess being in the late twenties and early thirties these characters are more developed individuals, which i admire to become. Who know what they want and know how to actually have a conversation. It was so refreshing.
The book was probably a 3/5 spice rating for me personally. It definitely wasnt your closed door romance but it wasnt too wild. Just the perfect amount for this story. I think to me, the more important intimacy traits were the eye contact, the listening, the understanding, the small things. Holding hands, laughing together, growing together and lets not all forget that tattoo scene!!
Overall °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
please read this book. i promise, you’ll fall as much in love as i did. I feel like i was highlighting something every two seconds, that has to mean the book is worth a read!
I feel like Caroline and Killian were just made for each other, in any other universe i feel like they would have found each other. This book gave me all the butterflies 🦋 and a killer appetite for more books by Ava Hill
“ There are different mediums of art," I say. "Obviously, you see the beauty in a lot of everyday things that people might miss. I looked for color. You looked for a life in color. That's the difference."
My thoughts:
“ I never thought i’d find enjoyment in being arrested for stabbing a man in the ass”
Bad Influence, by Ava Hill would not be the typical book i picked up at the bookstore. I received an ARC for this book after reading the blurb and being hooked! The story filled me with compassion, sass, bravery and confidence for when times get tough, get tougher. The story becomes quite full circle in my opinion, starting with a cheating bastard of a brother to ending up happily in love with another. Learning to stick up for herself and watching Caroline learn and explore her world for herself was something i became quite excited to sit along with for the ride.
The pacing and writing style in this book was pretty nice, though not the most complex or deepest book ive read, sometimes a fluffy little romance that speaks to the soul is all you need, and i think in that category this delivered as that.
“Maybe some things arent meant to be forgotten, maybe theyre meant to be to be relived and reimagined in ways we never thought possible”
I LOVE LOVE LOVE a dual POV romance. It just tickles that part in my brain that needs to know everything all at once. Getting a clear picture from both sides of the story, and reading the characters opionions and thoughts really made me feel more connected and with them. I feel like we need more stories with childhood friends to lovers, yearning and grumpy x sunshine tropes. Now im only just discovering them but i think they might be my new favourite. Just the preface of years of unending tourtous secret moments and undying love flutters my little heart rapidly.
And their cute banter??! Like stop! She became confident, and more herself progressivly though the book. The more time away from the people who caged her in a glass bottle, really let her grow her own wings and learn who she truly was all along.
For someone that is a mood reader and a relativly slow one at that, i read this book in a day. I think that definitely says something.
“He tattooed the date of when he first heard me laugh onto his body”
"Caroline, I've never met someone more beautiful than you. You don't have to believe me if you don't want to. That's not going to change my truth. Whoever made you believe otherwise doesn't know what beauty is."
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Genre: Romance, Second Chance, Childhood Friends to Lovers, Grumpy x Sunshine, Ex’s Older Brother, Found Family ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅
I love romance books, when nothing else is right in the world i know a rance book will always hit. This is the first ARC I’ve received so i was a little wcared, but lets just say miss Ava Hill did not disappoint. We had all the layers of romance, and the big fall out? Barely anything and thats something i really love to see. Personally my book ick is the falling out, when come on, you guys have had enough troubles lets just talk it out. I guess being in the late twenties and early thirties these characters are more developed individuals, which i admire to become. Who know what they want and know how to actually have a conversation. It was so refreshing.
The book was probably a 3/5 spice rating for me personally. It definitely wasnt your closed door romance but it wasnt too wild. Just the perfect amount for this story. I think to me, the more important intimacy traits were the eye contact, the listening, the understanding, the small things. Holding hands, laughing together, growing together and lets not all forget that tattoo scene!!
Overall °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
please read this book. i promise, you’ll fall as much in love as i did. I feel like i was highlighting something every two seconds, that has to mean the book is worth a read!
I feel like Caroline and Killian were just made for each other, in any other universe i feel like they would have found each other. This book gave me all the butterflies 🦋 and a killer appetite for more books by Ava Hill
“ There are different mediums of art," I say. "Obviously, you see the beauty in a lot of everyday things that people might miss. I looked for color. You looked for a life in color. That's the difference."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Caroline thought her future was already planned out for her 💍✨ — marry Beckett, follow the rules, keep both wealthy families happy, and never question the life everyone else chose for her. But the second she catches her fiancé cheating 🤡💔 and realizes both families expect her to quietly tolerate it, something inside her finally snaps.
With nowhere else to turn, Caroline escapes to the New York apartment Beckett’s grandmother once gifted her 🗝️🏙️… only to discover Killian is already living there.
And not just any Killian 😭🔥 — the same man she’s loved in silence for years. The same man who disappeared from the family five years ago and cut everyone off, including her. Their reunion is awkward, emotional, chaotic, and honestly so entertaining because the tension between them never disappeared for a second 👀
What I loved most about this story was how deeply it explored control, family expectations, and learning who you are outside of what others want from you. Caroline slowly starts realizing that her parents never truly saw her as a person with feelings — only someone who fit perfectly into the image they created for her. Watching her finally break free from that mindset was incredibly satisfying 🙌✨
Meanwhile, Killian completely stole my heart 🖤 He’s distant, grumpy, protective, and clearly carrying years of hurt from walking away from his family. But despite trying to keep his walls up, he naturally falls back into taking care of Caroline and helping her see her own worth again. Their relationship felt so genuine because they weren’t just falling in love — they were healing parts of themselves together 🥹
Their chemistry was EVERYTHING 😭 Caroline constantly challenging Killian’s moody attitude and dragging him out of his comfort zone had me smiling nonstop. And Killian showing her what it means to actually live for herself instead of constantly seeking approval? Absolutely loved that journey for her 💕
Also… both sets of parents were genuinely unbearable 🚩 The fact they expected Caroline to overlook Beckett’s cheating and simply pretend nothing happened was infuriating. Thank God for Granny because she was honestly the MVP of this entire story 👑 She saw exactly how toxic everything was and quietly pushed Caroline toward the freedom she desperately needed.
And that confrontation toward the end?? ICONIC 👏 Caroline finally standing up for herself after spending her whole life being controlled was such a powerful moment. I was cheering for her the entire time.
This book had romance, tension, emotional healing, forced proximity, family drama, and so many soft moments between Caroline and Killian 🏡💫 Their happy ending felt fully deserved, and I honestly didn’t want the story to end 💖
With nowhere else to turn, Caroline escapes to the New York apartment Beckett’s grandmother once gifted her 🗝️🏙️… only to discover Killian is already living there.
And not just any Killian 😭🔥 — the same man she’s loved in silence for years. The same man who disappeared from the family five years ago and cut everyone off, including her. Their reunion is awkward, emotional, chaotic, and honestly so entertaining because the tension between them never disappeared for a second 👀
What I loved most about this story was how deeply it explored control, family expectations, and learning who you are outside of what others want from you. Caroline slowly starts realizing that her parents never truly saw her as a person with feelings — only someone who fit perfectly into the image they created for her. Watching her finally break free from that mindset was incredibly satisfying 🙌✨
Meanwhile, Killian completely stole my heart 🖤 He’s distant, grumpy, protective, and clearly carrying years of hurt from walking away from his family. But despite trying to keep his walls up, he naturally falls back into taking care of Caroline and helping her see her own worth again. Their relationship felt so genuine because they weren’t just falling in love — they were healing parts of themselves together 🥹
Their chemistry was EVERYTHING 😭 Caroline constantly challenging Killian’s moody attitude and dragging him out of his comfort zone had me smiling nonstop. And Killian showing her what it means to actually live for herself instead of constantly seeking approval? Absolutely loved that journey for her 💕
Also… both sets of parents were genuinely unbearable 🚩 The fact they expected Caroline to overlook Beckett’s cheating and simply pretend nothing happened was infuriating. Thank God for Granny because she was honestly the MVP of this entire story 👑 She saw exactly how toxic everything was and quietly pushed Caroline toward the freedom she desperately needed.
And that confrontation toward the end?? ICONIC 👏 Caroline finally standing up for herself after spending her whole life being controlled was such a powerful moment. I was cheering for her the entire time.
This book had romance, tension, emotional healing, forced proximity, family drama, and so many soft moments between Caroline and Killian 🏡💫 Their happy ending felt fully deserved, and I honestly didn’t want the story to end 💖
Review of advance copy
4 ⭐️
I knew this book was going to be fun from the very first page. That opening paragraph made me LOL and snort my water.
This story follows Caroline and Killian, two people raised in wealthy families where expectations basically run their entire lives. At the start, Caroline is engaged to Killian’s brother, Beckett. After some very unexpected (and honestly hilarious) events, she realizes she doesn’t want that life anymore. For the first time, she makes a choice for herself and escapes to the New York apartment Beckett’s grandmother gifted her. The problem? Killian was gifted the apartment too.
And not just any Killian. The same Killian she grew up with, secretly loved for years, and hasn’t been able to stop thinking about since he walked away from his family five years ago and completely shut her out. Forced proximity with all that history? Absolute chaos in the best way.
I really loved how this book explored family pressure and the way childhood expectations can shape how you see yourself. Caroline spends so much of the story realizing her family never truly valued her as a person, only as someone they could control. Meanwhile, Killian slips right back into protecting her while helping her unlearn all the awful things she believes about herself. Watching them heal together was honestly one of my favorite parts.
Their dynamic was so good too. Caroline constantly calling out Killian for being grumpy and pushing him out of his shell had me smiling the entire time. And Killian helping her experience life for herself instead of living for everyone else? Loved it.
The family confrontation near the end was such a mic-drop moment. I was cheering for Caroline so hard. Seeing her finally step into her own confidence felt incredibly satisfying. I had such a good time reading this one!
Thank you Ava and Love Notes PR for an advanced reader copy of Bad Influence (publishing May 20, 2026).
I knew this book was going to be fun from the very first page. That opening paragraph made me LOL and snort my water.
This story follows Caroline and Killian, two people raised in wealthy families where expectations basically run their entire lives. At the start, Caroline is engaged to Killian’s brother, Beckett. After some very unexpected (and honestly hilarious) events, she realizes she doesn’t want that life anymore. For the first time, she makes a choice for herself and escapes to the New York apartment Beckett’s grandmother gifted her. The problem? Killian was gifted the apartment too.
And not just any Killian. The same Killian she grew up with, secretly loved for years, and hasn’t been able to stop thinking about since he walked away from his family five years ago and completely shut her out. Forced proximity with all that history? Absolute chaos in the best way.
I really loved how this book explored family pressure and the way childhood expectations can shape how you see yourself. Caroline spends so much of the story realizing her family never truly valued her as a person, only as someone they could control. Meanwhile, Killian slips right back into protecting her while helping her unlearn all the awful things she believes about herself. Watching them heal together was honestly one of my favorite parts.
Their dynamic was so good too. Caroline constantly calling out Killian for being grumpy and pushing him out of his shell had me smiling the entire time. And Killian helping her experience life for herself instead of living for everyone else? Loved it.
The family confrontation near the end was such a mic-drop moment. I was cheering for Caroline so hard. Seeing her finally step into her own confidence felt incredibly satisfying. I had such a good time reading this one!
Thank you Ava and Love Notes PR for an advanced reader copy of Bad Influence (publishing May 20, 2026).
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
3.5 stars.
Ava Hill's "Bad Influence" is a grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity romance between a woman who had previously been shackled to the MMC's brother in a near-marriage to benefit both families, despite actually being smitten with the MMC. Caroline and Killian are thrust together in New York after Caroline caught her former fiancé, Beckett, Killian's brother, cheating on her. It turns out that what she thought was an empty apartment that was purchased for her by her ex's grandmother is actually occupied by Killian himself. Meddling grandma or pure accident? Only time will tell! I loved Killian's grumpy demeanor so much. He's brooding, he's tattooed, and he's easily annoyed (but not really because he's sOoOoOoO in love with Caroline!). It has been a while since I read a truly great grump character, and this fit the bill for me. I liked watching Caroline gain her independence after leaving a restrictive, constrictive environment with her family. She gets time to decide what she wants to do in life and has the money and the wherewithal to do it... pure fiction, hahahaha, don't we all wish!? There is a lot of hot, passionate chemistry between the two of them, especially considering they have been pining for each other for years (the ice scene, the hairwashing scene!!). The spice is excellent in this. I did feel a little bit of a disconnect somewhere, though, mostly likely in its emotionality. I wish there had been a bit more emotional reckoning here. Things I thought could have been these big passionate crescendos turned out to be pretty "meh" in retrospect. I did like the end of the book, though, great resolution. I definitely enjoyed this. I didn't think it was too terribly long, and I thought it was fairly well-paced. I will absolutely read this author again in the future, especially books with wide-open doors!
Thank you to Ava Hill and Love Notes PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Ava Hill's "Bad Influence" is a grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity romance between a woman who had previously been shackled to the MMC's brother in a near-marriage to benefit both families, despite actually being smitten with the MMC. Caroline and Killian are thrust together in New York after Caroline caught her former fiancé, Beckett, Killian's brother, cheating on her. It turns out that what she thought was an empty apartment that was purchased for her by her ex's grandmother is actually occupied by Killian himself. Meddling grandma or pure accident? Only time will tell! I loved Killian's grumpy demeanor so much. He's brooding, he's tattooed, and he's easily annoyed (but not really because he's sOoOoOoO in love with Caroline!). It has been a while since I read a truly great grump character, and this fit the bill for me. I liked watching Caroline gain her independence after leaving a restrictive, constrictive environment with her family. She gets time to decide what she wants to do in life and has the money and the wherewithal to do it... pure fiction, hahahaha, don't we all wish!? There is a lot of hot, passionate chemistry between the two of them, especially considering they have been pining for each other for years (the ice scene, the hairwashing scene!!). The spice is excellent in this. I did feel a little bit of a disconnect somewhere, though, mostly likely in its emotionality. I wish there had been a bit more emotional reckoning here. Things I thought could have been these big passionate crescendos turned out to be pretty "meh" in retrospect. I did like the end of the book, though, great resolution. I definitely enjoyed this. I didn't think it was too terribly long, and I thought it was fairly well-paced. I will absolutely read this author again in the future, especially books with wide-open doors!
Thank you to Ava Hill and Love Notes PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Review of advance copy
Grannies are the best!
When Caroline walked in on her fiancé cheating, and her parents (and his) were okay with it and wanted her to forget about it, she knew she was done with her family and the engagement. So, upon her now ex-fiancé's granny's advice, she fled to the apartment she was given the key to years ago, only to find the older brother of said ex. Killian isn't that social, but he's living his life and not the life his parents tried to force on him. He never expected to come home to find Caroline in his place or to find his granny was behind it. It was only supposed to be temporary, as Killian thought Caroline would eventually make it back home to marry his brother. But old feelings resurface for both of them, and it's hard to ignore, especially after Caroline tells Killian the wedding's off.
Killian and Caroline get their happy ending in this standalone book.
How can both sets of parents be that awful! To just tell Caroline to accept the cheating and tell her ex to be more discreet in the future was terrible. I loved that both Granny and Killian saw how awful this was and supported Caroline. I do wonder what Caroline's brother really would have done if she had tried harder to tell him how she was feeling rather than just letting her parents dictate that conversation. It would be interesting to know if Caroline took a page out of Killian's book and went no contact with any of them outside of Granny, too, or if she tried to make a relationship work with her parents yet. I hope for the earlier option, as they were tools.
I received an advance review copy from Love Notes PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When Caroline walked in on her fiancé cheating, and her parents (and his) were okay with it and wanted her to forget about it, she knew she was done with her family and the engagement. So, upon her now ex-fiancé's granny's advice, she fled to the apartment she was given the key to years ago, only to find the older brother of said ex. Killian isn't that social, but he's living his life and not the life his parents tried to force on him. He never expected to come home to find Caroline in his place or to find his granny was behind it. It was only supposed to be temporary, as Killian thought Caroline would eventually make it back home to marry his brother. But old feelings resurface for both of them, and it's hard to ignore, especially after Caroline tells Killian the wedding's off.
Killian and Caroline get their happy ending in this standalone book.
How can both sets of parents be that awful! To just tell Caroline to accept the cheating and tell her ex to be more discreet in the future was terrible. I loved that both Granny and Killian saw how awful this was and supported Caroline. I do wonder what Caroline's brother really would have done if she had tried harder to tell him how she was feeling rather than just letting her parents dictate that conversation. It would be interesting to know if Caroline took a page out of Killian's book and went no contact with any of them outside of Granny, too, or if she tried to make a relationship work with her parents yet. I hope for the earlier option, as they were tools.
I received an advance review copy from Love Notes PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
“I never thought I’d find enjoyment in being arrested for stabbing a man in the ass.”
I always say that the first line is a make or break for if a book is gonna capture the reader’s attention, and this definitely did that! But boy oh boy was this book hot. 🥵🧊 I loved the chemistry and flirty comments between Caroline and Killian from the very beginning. Killian is a “bad boy” grumpy introvert artist who is down bad for Caroline, while she is an optimistic ray of sunshine, so you know they’re perfect for each other. I loved seeing Caroline grow and become more independent, and I love that Killian allowed her to be free but still know that he was there if she wanted the support. And Gerry is the absolute best and I love her.
I loved the plot of the book, but wish that we had a little more development throughout for the characters and conflict since some of it seems a little rushed. Some dialogue seemed repetitive and there was a continuity error with 2 different ages mentioned for the same event but because this was an ARC I know it’s not the final version.
Overall this was a good book about finding yourself, using your voice, and living life the way you want and not the way others want. Be a butterfly, spread your wings and be free!
Tropes:
*Forced proximity
*Ex-fiancé’s brother
*Grumpy x sunshine
*Lawyer x artist
*He falls first
🌶️ Tropes:
*He paints her
*Ice play
*Hand necklace
*Mirror play
*He washes her hair
* “Good girl”
Thank you Ava Hill and Love Notes PR for the ARC for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
“I never thought I’d find enjoyment in being arrested for stabbing a man in the ass.”
I always say that the first line is a make or break for if a book is gonna capture the reader’s attention, and this definitely did that! But boy oh boy was this book hot. 🥵🧊 I loved the chemistry and flirty comments between Caroline and Killian from the very beginning. Killian is a “bad boy” grumpy introvert artist who is down bad for Caroline, while she is an optimistic ray of sunshine, so you know they’re perfect for each other. I loved seeing Caroline grow and become more independent, and I love that Killian allowed her to be free but still know that he was there if she wanted the support. And Gerry is the absolute best and I love her.
I loved the plot of the book, but wish that we had a little more development throughout for the characters and conflict since some of it seems a little rushed. Some dialogue seemed repetitive and there was a continuity error with 2 different ages mentioned for the same event but because this was an ARC I know it’s not the final version.
Overall this was a good book about finding yourself, using your voice, and living life the way you want and not the way others want. Be a butterfly, spread your wings and be free!
Tropes:
*Forced proximity
*Ex-fiancé’s brother
*Grumpy x sunshine
*Lawyer x artist
*He falls first
🌶️ Tropes:
*He paints her
*Ice play
*Hand necklace
*Mirror play
*He washes her hair
* “Good girl”
Thank you Ava Hill and Love Notes PR for the ARC for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 18, 2026
ARC REVIEW
“Use your words butterfly”
•
Bad Influence is a romance standalone book, here you’ll find:
✨Grumpy x sunshine
🎨Forced proximity
👩⚖️Ex-fiancés brother
🧡Lawyer x artist
I was really curious about this book because the tropes sounded exactly like something I would love, and while I did enjoy parts of it, unfortunately it didn’t fully live up to my expectations.
I actually liked the beginning a lot and I was really invested at first, but at some point something started to feel a little off. The pacing became kind of confusing, especially with the timeline, and the second half of the book felt really rushed compared to the start.
I think my biggest issue was that I couldn’t fully connect with the characters. I didn’t dislike them, but they felt a bit surface level to me and I never truly managed to empathize with them or get emotionally attached the way I wanted to. I kept waiting for something deeper that never fully came.
The romance had potential and there were definitely some cute moments and good tension, but overall I feel like everything happened too quickly for me to really feel the emotional impact of it.
It wasn’t a bad read at all and I still enjoyed some parts of it, it just didn’t hit as hard as I hoped it would.
“Use your words butterfly”
•
Bad Influence is a romance standalone book, here you’ll find:
✨Grumpy x sunshine
🎨Forced proximity
👩⚖️Ex-fiancés brother
🧡Lawyer x artist
I was really curious about this book because the tropes sounded exactly like something I would love, and while I did enjoy parts of it, unfortunately it didn’t fully live up to my expectations.
I actually liked the beginning a lot and I was really invested at first, but at some point something started to feel a little off. The pacing became kind of confusing, especially with the timeline, and the second half of the book felt really rushed compared to the start.
I think my biggest issue was that I couldn’t fully connect with the characters. I didn’t dislike them, but they felt a bit surface level to me and I never truly managed to empathize with them or get emotionally attached the way I wanted to. I kept waiting for something deeper that never fully came.
The romance had potential and there were definitely some cute moments and good tension, but overall I feel like everything happened too quickly for me to really feel the emotional impact of it.
It wasn’t a bad read at all and I still enjoyed some parts of it, it just didn’t hit as hard as I hoped it would.
Review of advance copy
This was a quick and amusing read with cute characters, amusing banter, and some fun one-liners. The story follows Caroline as she tries to break free from the expectations and pressures placed on her life, which leads to an unexpected connection with Killian. I enjoyed the overall premise and the mix of romance, forced proximity, and grumpy x sunshine energy throughout the book.
Killian was the standout for me. He had a lot going for him as a character, and I really liked his grumpy exterior paired with the secretly caring side underneath. There were a few areas where I felt the story missed opportunities. Several scenes seemed like they were building toward bigger emotional moments or confrontations, only for the story to shift directions in the next chapter instead. I also felt that Caroline’s internal monologue became somewhat repetitive at times, especially when it came to reassuring both herself and the reader about the authenticity of her feelings and Killian’s.
Overall, though, this was still an enjoyable and fast-paced romance with a fun dynamic between the main characters and enough humor and chemistry to keep me reading.
Killian was the standout for me. He had a lot going for him as a character, and I really liked his grumpy exterior paired with the secretly caring side underneath. There were a few areas where I felt the story missed opportunities. Several scenes seemed like they were building toward bigger emotional moments or confrontations, only for the story to shift directions in the next chapter instead. I also felt that Caroline’s internal monologue became somewhat repetitive at times, especially when it came to reassuring both herself and the reader about the authenticity of her feelings and Killian’s.
Overall, though, this was still an enjoyable and fast-paced romance with a fun dynamic between the main characters and enough humor and chemistry to keep me reading.
May 17, 2026
Thank you Ava Hill and Love Notes PR for allowing me to ARC read Bad Influence!
This story follows Caroline and Killian. Caroline and Killian have known each other their whole lives as their families are close. They have both always harbored feelings for each other but to Caroline’s dismay, her parents have pushed Beckett, Killian’s younger brother, onto Caroline, even forcing them to marry. When Caroline catches Beckett cheating on her, she rushes off to New York where she runs into Killian himself. After getting reacquainted and discovering who she is without the influence of her family, Caroline learns to live life how she wants, and to go after what she wants. Killian may have lost her once to his brother, but now that she has popped back into his life, he’s going to everything he can to not lose her again.
I loved this! Caroline and Killian are great characters separately, but together?! PERFECT!! I love how protective, possessive, and attentive Killian is to Caroline. 🥹 every single shared, new experience they did was super sweet. The tattoo scene?!
There were parts of the story that skipped around a bit, but other than that, I loved this story!
This story follows Caroline and Killian. Caroline and Killian have known each other their whole lives as their families are close. They have both always harbored feelings for each other but to Caroline’s dismay, her parents have pushed Beckett, Killian’s younger brother, onto Caroline, even forcing them to marry. When Caroline catches Beckett cheating on her, she rushes off to New York where she runs into Killian himself. After getting reacquainted and discovering who she is without the influence of her family, Caroline learns to live life how she wants, and to go after what she wants. Killian may have lost her once to his brother, but now that she has popped back into his life, he’s going to everything he can to not lose her again.
I loved this! Caroline and Killian are great characters separately, but together?! PERFECT!! I love how protective, possessive, and attentive Killian is to Caroline. 🥹 every single shared, new experience they did was super sweet. The tattoo scene?!
There were parts of the story that skipped around a bit, but other than that, I loved this story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
little summary: Caroline leaves the lifestyle she grew up in along with the family expectations, she also leaves a cheating arranged fiance. With the help of a family friend who gives her a place in New York, not knowing that the apartment also is shared by her grandson whom Caroline grew up with and her ex-fiance's brother as well. With the help of Killian and friends, she discovers herself.
I'm not a fan of slow burn romance, but this was done so well that I was actually patient while seeing the love of Killian and Caroline unfold. While Killian is grumpy, so grumpy, he's a teddy bear to Caroline. He protects and watches over, and lets her set the pace. My patience was rewarded once they got it on, and the spice got heated after building up those heated moments.
I'm so glad that I was able to be an advance reader for this book and author, it's a great feeling to discover a new author and a great book as well. I highly recommend this book and it's definitely worth reading
I'm not a fan of slow burn romance, but this was done so well that I was actually patient while seeing the love of Killian and Caroline unfold. While Killian is grumpy, so grumpy, he's a teddy bear to Caroline. He protects and watches over, and lets her set the pace. My patience was rewarded once they got it on, and the spice got heated after building up those heated moments.
I'm so glad that I was able to be an advance reader for this book and author, it's a great feeling to discover a new author and a great book as well. I highly recommend this book and it's definitely worth reading
Review of advance copy
Bad Influence is a stand alone book with a Grump/Sunshine trope by Ava Hill. It's a candy sweet slow burn with a HEA. This book wasn't my cup of tea, to tame IMHO and I skimmed most after reaching Chapter 18 trying not to DNF.
I would like to Thank Love Notes PR for my ARC and in return I voluntarily promised an honest review.
Caroline Sinclair is a lawyer and is set to marry the man her parents picked out until she catches him with his assistant bent over the desk. Her parents and fiance expect her to just ignore it but she can't live that way and flees to New York to the apartment gifted to her by her ex-fiance's grandmother.
Killian York is a painter and a tattoo artist. He fled his controlling family years ago and enjoys his quiet, peaceful life until he walks into his home one night and finds his brother's fiancee standing in his kitchen in a towel.
She didn't know that the apartment was occupied by the one man who could've changed her life years ago and now he wants to kick her out...
I would like to Thank Love Notes PR for my ARC and in return I voluntarily promised an honest review.
Caroline Sinclair is a lawyer and is set to marry the man her parents picked out until she catches him with his assistant bent over the desk. Her parents and fiance expect her to just ignore it but she can't live that way and flees to New York to the apartment gifted to her by her ex-fiance's grandmother.
Killian York is a painter and a tattoo artist. He fled his controlling family years ago and enjoys his quiet, peaceful life until he walks into his home one night and finds his brother's fiancee standing in his kitchen in a towel.
She didn't know that the apartment was occupied by the one man who could've changed her life years ago and now he wants to kick her out...
Review of advance copy received from Author
4/5
After Caroline finds her arranged marriage fiancé cheating on her she flees to a gifted apartment in New York City… where her now ex-fiancé’s brother lives. The same brother that she’s been pining after since they were kids.
This book was great! The pacing was consistent and kept me interested from the first page (the first line really hooks you!!). I love the dynamic between Caroline and Killian. He’s perfectly grumpy and protective while also allowing her to be her own person. Their banter is so fun. I also adored how fun the side characters are and how much they added to the story. The ending felt appropriate but it almost felt like the story avoided any real conflict at the end. I felt like the story needed to be a little bit longer to really dive into wrapping up the family dynamics and establishing the relationship. I did still like the ending though- I just wanted a bit more from it. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!!
Thank you to Ava Hill for providing this book for review consideration via Love Notes PR. All opinions are my own.
After Caroline finds her arranged marriage fiancé cheating on her she flees to a gifted apartment in New York City… where her now ex-fiancé’s brother lives. The same brother that she’s been pining after since they were kids.
This book was great! The pacing was consistent and kept me interested from the first page (the first line really hooks you!!). I love the dynamic between Caroline and Killian. He’s perfectly grumpy and protective while also allowing her to be her own person. Their banter is so fun. I also adored how fun the side characters are and how much they added to the story. The ending felt appropriate but it almost felt like the story avoided any real conflict at the end. I felt like the story needed to be a little bit longer to really dive into wrapping up the family dynamics and establishing the relationship. I did still like the ending though- I just wanted a bit more from it. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!!
Thank you to Ava Hill for providing this book for review consideration via Love Notes PR. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
What do you do when it’s your own family that is the thing you need to leave behind and let go of?
I honestly loved that this wasn’t about anyone else, and no one else needed—or was expected—to understand. We didn’t get some drawn-out “pick me” storyline because this was never about anyone except Caroline. This wasn’t a “black sheep because she makes bad decisions” kind of story. It was about being the black sheep because you finally find the strength to stand up for yourself.
The kind of love and life she wanted was out there all along, just waiting for her to choose it.
The title Bad Influence almost feels ironic because all she’s really doing is choosing herself for once.
I loved the chemistry, the dark broody energy Killian brought, and even the symbolism in Caroline’s dresses—the pretty-in-pink dress chosen for her versus the dress she chose for herself to match him. That little detail said so much without needing to spell it out.
And whew… this whole book was HOTTTT 🔥
I honestly loved that this wasn’t about anyone else, and no one else needed—or was expected—to understand. We didn’t get some drawn-out “pick me” storyline because this was never about anyone except Caroline. This wasn’t a “black sheep because she makes bad decisions” kind of story. It was about being the black sheep because you finally find the strength to stand up for yourself.
The kind of love and life she wanted was out there all along, just waiting for her to choose it.
The title Bad Influence almost feels ironic because all she’s really doing is choosing herself for once.
I loved the chemistry, the dark broody energy Killian brought, and even the symbolism in Caroline’s dresses—the pretty-in-pink dress chosen for her versus the dress she chose for herself to match him. That little detail said so much without needing to spell it out.
And whew… this whole book was HOTTTT 🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
That first chapter hooks you immediately! It definitely starts with a bang of some sorts (no pun intended) with female rage at its finest. I was pulled right into the story and didn’t want to put it down. I ended up reading the whole thing in a day and enjoyed every minute.
The plot is engaging and feelss slightly unique within these tropes. The characters are relatable and easy to fall in love with, and the villains are so easy to hate, which just adds another satisfying layer to the reading experience.
The chemistry and history between Caroline and Killian were absolutely perfect for this story. I couldn’t picture either of them ending up with anyone else. They just fit so well together! They complement each other so well, and the strength of their feelings really comes through. Watching everything unfold was incredibly satisfying.
There’s humor, love, spice, tension, and banter. Overall, it’s a really great read. Definitely recommend!!
The plot is engaging and feelss slightly unique within these tropes. The characters are relatable and easy to fall in love with, and the villains are so easy to hate, which just adds another satisfying layer to the reading experience.
The chemistry and history between Caroline and Killian were absolutely perfect for this story. I couldn’t picture either of them ending up with anyone else. They just fit so well together! They complement each other so well, and the strength of their feelings really comes through. Watching everything unfold was incredibly satisfying.
There’s humor, love, spice, tension, and banter. Overall, it’s a really great read. Definitely recommend!!
May 14, 2026
✨ ARC Review ✨
Thank you to Ava Hill and Love Notes PR for the ARC.
What to expect:
💞 Forced Proximity
🤭 Ex’s Older Brother
⛅️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🎨 Lawyer x Artist
I had no idea what to expect going into this story and seeing how Caroline ending up with her ex’s older brother would play out, but somehow they just worked together. Killian is definitely more broody and reserved, only really showing his softer side around Caroline, while Caroline surprised me with how strong and optimistic she remained despite everything she had been through.
I honestly think Gran was one of my favourite side characters. She was adorable, seemed to understand exactly what was meant to happen, and brought such a comforting warmth to the story.
I did feel like some of the romantic scenes came out of nowhere, and I wish the yearning and emotional tension between Caroline and Killian had been built up a little more before they got together. Even so, I still enjoyed their dynamic and the overall story.
Thank you to Ava Hill and Love Notes PR for the ARC.
What to expect:
💞 Forced Proximity
🤭 Ex’s Older Brother
⛅️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🎨 Lawyer x Artist
I had no idea what to expect going into this story and seeing how Caroline ending up with her ex’s older brother would play out, but somehow they just worked together. Killian is definitely more broody and reserved, only really showing his softer side around Caroline, while Caroline surprised me with how strong and optimistic she remained despite everything she had been through.
I honestly think Gran was one of my favourite side characters. She was adorable, seemed to understand exactly what was meant to happen, and brought such a comforting warmth to the story.
I did feel like some of the romantic scenes came out of nowhere, and I wish the yearning and emotional tension between Caroline and Killian had been built up a little more before they got together. Even so, I still enjoyed their dynamic and the overall story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had a good time with Bad Influence, but it didn’t completely blow me away the way I hoped it would. The drama, tension, and messy relationship dynamics definitely kept me reading, and I flew through it pretty quickly.
I felt like the story relied a little too heavily on miscommunication and back-and-forth drama at times. There were moments where I just wanted the characters to actually talk to each other instead of continuing the same cycle over and over. I also liked the main couple together, but I wanted a little more emotional depth outside of the attraction and angst.
I will say the friend group/family dynamics added a lot to the story for me and helped balance out some of the more frustrating moments. The pacing kept things entertaining, even when I was rolling my eyes at some of the decisions being made.
It was an enjoyable read and definitely addictive in that “just one more chapter” kind of way, but not one I think will really stick with me long term.
I felt like the story relied a little too heavily on miscommunication and back-and-forth drama at times. There were moments where I just wanted the characters to actually talk to each other instead of continuing the same cycle over and over. I also liked the main couple together, but I wanted a little more emotional depth outside of the attraction and angst.
I will say the friend group/family dynamics added a lot to the story for me and helped balance out some of the more frustrating moments. The pacing kept things entertaining, even when I was rolling my eyes at some of the decisions being made.
It was an enjoyable read and definitely addictive in that “just one more chapter” kind of way, but not one I think will really stick with me long term.
Review of advance copy
Snap Judgement
A heartfelt romance with a strong emotional core that shines despite rough execution.
Bookish Magic
✨ Caroline's journey from sheltered and uncertain to discovering her own identity and happiness was the strongest part of the story.
✨ Killian supports her growth in a way that feels encouraging rather than controlling, which makes their relationship enjoyable to watch and develop. It definitely walks the line between obsession and devotion, controlling and encouraging.
Bookish Woes
😫 The ending and certain major moments feel rushed and underdeveloped, while others felt properly paced.
😫 Some emotionally important aspects could have been explored more to enhance the depth of the story. Several inconsistencies and plot gaps made the narrative feel unfinished.
Final Thoughts
A romance with a compelling emotional journey and strong character potential, but editing issues and rushed storytelling keep it from reaching its full impact.
A heartfelt romance with a strong emotional core that shines despite rough execution.
Bookish Magic
✨ Caroline's journey from sheltered and uncertain to discovering her own identity and happiness was the strongest part of the story.
✨ Killian supports her growth in a way that feels encouraging rather than controlling, which makes their relationship enjoyable to watch and develop. It definitely walks the line between obsession and devotion, controlling and encouraging.
Bookish Woes
😫 The ending and certain major moments feel rushed and underdeveloped, while others felt properly paced.
😫 Some emotionally important aspects could have been explored more to enhance the depth of the story. Several inconsistencies and plot gaps made the narrative feel unfinished.
Final Thoughts
A romance with a compelling emotional journey and strong character potential, but editing issues and rushed storytelling keep it from reaching its full impact.
Review of advance copy
I really liked this. It was sweet.
Caroline has a brightness to her as she experiences life outside the control of her family.
Killian has this fierce protectiveness while also supporting her.
Their romance was grounded in the years they’d known each other, and this book was just letting their love breathe.
Everything was just right, from the pacing to the dialogue, to the build-up and interactions. I appreciated the lack of a third act break up. It was very cathartic. That didn’t mean there wasn’t a good struggle or plot because they still struggled, but they struggled together, which I LOVE!!!
The sweetness shouldn’t confuse you because the SPICE WAS HOT 🌶️ Like it definitely added to the sweetness of the story, which might sound like a contradiction, but it’s not. It was the way they wanted to be with each other so completely.
Caroline has a brightness to her as she experiences life outside the control of her family.
Killian has this fierce protectiveness while also supporting her.
Their romance was grounded in the years they’d known each other, and this book was just letting their love breathe.
Everything was just right, from the pacing to the dialogue, to the build-up and interactions. I appreciated the lack of a third act break up. It was very cathartic. That didn’t mean there wasn’t a good struggle or plot because they still struggled, but they struggled together, which I LOVE!!!
The sweetness shouldn’t confuse you because the SPICE WAS HOT 🌶️ Like it definitely added to the sweetness of the story, which might sound like a contradiction, but it’s not. It was the way they wanted to be with each other so completely.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun and quick read. I started it one evening after work and finished it the next morning. I loved that Ava started off with a literal bang. It set the tone for the entire book and showed us what a spitfire Caroline really was before we learned what lead to that point.
Beckett sucks and Killian is literally boyfriend goals. Killian is grumpy personified and Caroline is literal sunshine.
The spice in this story is top tier and I'm glad Ava didn't hold back in that regard because there was obvious tension as soon as we read the exchanges between Killian and Caroline on page and it would've felt inauthentic if the spice didn't match up. I also loved seeing Caroline open up and come into herself as the story progressed. I also loved Gerry and I love that she took matters into her own hands and parent trapped Killian and Caroline. Best Gran ever lol.
Beckett sucks and Killian is literally boyfriend goals. Killian is grumpy personified and Caroline is literal sunshine.
The spice in this story is top tier and I'm glad Ava didn't hold back in that regard because there was obvious tension as soon as we read the exchanges between Killian and Caroline on page and it would've felt inauthentic if the spice didn't match up. I also loved seeing Caroline open up and come into herself as the story progressed. I also loved Gerry and I love that she took matters into her own hands and parent trapped Killian and Caroline. Best Gran ever lol.
Review of advance copy
I received a copy of this for my honest review and sometimes you just need a little bit of a bad influence.
In this story our FMC has caught her fiance cheating on her - and instead of her family having her back, they want her to ignore it and not make a spectacle of things. That is until her now exs grandmother reminds her that she has the apartment in NYC - and no one else knows. But when she gets there, she is shocked to learn that her ex's older brother, our MMC, also loves there because his grandmother gave him the apartment too. He thinks this is just a bit of cold feet - and even though, it's always been her for him, she will probably go back to appease her family. But this isnt cold feet - this is finding out who she really is beyond what has been expected of her - and that includes the man she's always loved.
In this story our FMC has caught her fiance cheating on her - and instead of her family having her back, they want her to ignore it and not make a spectacle of things. That is until her now exs grandmother reminds her that she has the apartment in NYC - and no one else knows. But when she gets there, she is shocked to learn that her ex's older brother, our MMC, also loves there because his grandmother gave him the apartment too. He thinks this is just a bit of cold feet - and even though, it's always been her for him, she will probably go back to appease her family. But this isnt cold feet - this is finding out who she really is beyond what has been expected of her - and that includes the man she's always loved.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 stars
3 chillies
it starts off a tad boring with nothing really happening in the spice department.
I love that we get to watch Caroline grow and become the independent women she really is. At parts i felt like the Killian (mmc) was a tad overbearing and treated her like a child and not the 27 year old women she is, i get that she came to him and has never left her home or has ever been on her own.
Over all its a good book i did feel like the ending was a bit rushed and i really wanted to see how their relationship grows.
trigger/tropes
ex's older brother
grumpy/sunshine
forced proximity
lawyer x artist
light BDSM nothing to crazy
a bit of self hate thanks to her ex
always doubting herself
mean family who never has supported her
3 chillies
it starts off a tad boring with nothing really happening in the spice department.
I love that we get to watch Caroline grow and become the independent women she really is. At parts i felt like the Killian (mmc) was a tad overbearing and treated her like a child and not the 27 year old women she is, i get that she came to him and has never left her home or has ever been on her own.
Over all its a good book i did feel like the ending was a bit rushed and i really wanted to see how their relationship grows.
trigger/tropes
ex's older brother
grumpy/sunshine
forced proximity
lawyer x artist
light BDSM nothing to crazy
a bit of self hate thanks to her ex
always doubting herself
mean family who never has supported her
May 15, 2026
Caroline and Killian grew up together, but Killian, eventually, realized how toxic their families were and left. Caroline ended up engaged to his brother…until she caught him cheating. It took a lot, but she finally left, taking Killian and Beckett’s grandmother up on her gift to Caroline of an apartment across the country in NY. She hadn’t seen Killian in years, and she certainly didn’t expect him to be in said apartment when she arrived. Caroline needs time to heal and decide what she wants from her life. Killian has to fight his feelings for Caroline. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but the spice is worth waiting for. I loved how Caroline started taking control of her life and standing up for herself. Killian just wanted to take care of Caroline and let her live her life. Loved it!!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5
This a pretty cute book, i think perfect when you want to read something short and lovely. Killian is Coraline’s ex fiancé’s brother with whom he meets in New York after she finds out her boyfriend was cheating on her at first he didn’t want her there in his apartment and he can’t let her go somewhere else so let her stay and with time and a tour for New York old feelings start to grow again. This is book is a lot about family issues and old connections.
If you want to read a cute romance with a grumpy and possessive man this one is for you.
Thanks for the ARC Love Notes and Ava Hill.
—————————————————————————————
TROPES:
💞 Forced Proximity
🤭 Ex's Older Brother
⛅️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🎨 Lawyer x Artist
This a pretty cute book, i think perfect when you want to read something short and lovely. Killian is Coraline’s ex fiancé’s brother with whom he meets in New York after she finds out her boyfriend was cheating on her at first he didn’t want her there in his apartment and he can’t let her go somewhere else so let her stay and with time and a tour for New York old feelings start to grow again. This is book is a lot about family issues and old connections.
If you want to read a cute romance with a grumpy and possessive man this one is for you.
Thanks for the ARC Love Notes and Ava Hill.
—————————————————————————————
TROPES:
💞 Forced Proximity
🤭 Ex's Older Brother
⛅️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🎨 Lawyer x Artist
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Ava Hill for the eARC of this book.
Can you say YEARNING? This was a delish book with the perfect amounts of romance, spice and a good story to keep you I reading until the end. It was a quick read and I loved that New York City was the backdrop with lots of details that allowed me to see the scene in my head. I loved seeing Caroline come into her own and figure out how to stand on her own two feet when she knew Killian would always be in her corner. Killian was a perfect MMC with enough broodiness and swagger to make you swoon! This was my first Ava Hill book and I am already a big fan!
Can you say YEARNING? This was a delish book with the perfect amounts of romance, spice and a good story to keep you I reading until the end. It was a quick read and I loved that New York City was the backdrop with lots of details that allowed me to see the scene in my head. I loved seeing Caroline come into her own and figure out how to stand on her own two feet when she knew Killian would always be in her corner. Killian was a perfect MMC with enough broodiness and swagger to make you swoon! This was my first Ava Hill book and I am already a big fan!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The slow burn in this one is absolutely delicious. That is the only note I wrote for myself while reading this one, because I just couldn’t stop reading in order to jot anything down. Such a great read. I love the whole “breaking away from societal based family expectations” thing. So good.
Caroline and Killian are such a force. You are pulling for Caroline so much in this one, and his support is just 👩🍳💋. Every woman deserves a Killian in their corner … and their bed😉. The spice level on this one would be at 🌶️🌶️ for me, and I loved every second.
And Gerry. Oh I love Gerry. She is the best.
What to expect:
💞 Forced Proximity
🤭 Ex's Older Brother
⛅️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🎨 Lawyer x Artist
Caroline and Killian are such a force. You are pulling for Caroline so much in this one, and his support is just 👩🍳💋. Every woman deserves a Killian in their corner … and their bed😉. The spice level on this one would be at 🌶️🌶️ for me, and I loved every second.
And Gerry. Oh I love Gerry. She is the best.
What to expect:
💞 Forced Proximity
🤭 Ex's Older Brother
⛅️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🎨 Lawyer x Artist
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️.5
This hit all my cozy but spicy buttons. Caroline’s impulsive NYC escape lands her in an apartment already occupied by her ex’s older brother. Enter Killian: tattoo artist by day, broody painter by night, and peak grump to softness energy. The plot zips along, the small moments land hard, and the emotional payoff feels real. A perfect bedside read when you want swoon + sass.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Ava for providing me with a copy of Bad Influence. As always, my opinions are my own.
This hit all my cozy but spicy buttons. Caroline’s impulsive NYC escape lands her in an apartment already occupied by her ex’s older brother. Enter Killian: tattoo artist by day, broody painter by night, and peak grump to softness energy. The plot zips along, the small moments land hard, and the emotional payoff feels real. A perfect bedside read when you want swoon + sass.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Ava for providing me with a copy of Bad Influence. As always, my opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Caroline and Killian's story is one full of longing, obsession, and happy endings. This is a great read; I really got into this book and couldn't wait to see how the main characters finally connected. Killian is the broody, tattooed MMC, and he is perfect book boyfriend material. He's obsessed with Caroline and has been for years, protective, wants her safe, and is utterly hooked on her. Now that they are forced to live together, the connection is reignited, and these two can't keep their hands off each other. Amazing read, and the ending was perfect.
Review of advance copy received from Author
this was such a sweet story! I loved Killian and Caroline🥰their story had me hooked and I absolutely loved their connection. I loved a protective, obsessive MMC and Killian did not disapoint😉I loved Caroline, how she grew as a person and finally stood up and did what she wanted was totally inspiring🫶🏻Despite not having the best families, I loved that they found happiness with eachother. (In your face Carter)😏I loved Killian's artwork too, especially when Caroline was his muse😍 I totally recommend this book and will totally be checking out more of Ava's work
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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